How Do You Enjoy the UC Davis Good Life Garden?

Many thanks to our first guest blogger, nutritional biology graduate student, Rebecca Tryon Her writing will also be featured in Davis Life Magazine in a new column entitled "Mindful Self Indulgence" beginning with the May 1, 2010 issue.

You can also keep up to date with her thoughtful insights via her own blog Off White Living where she gives her readers a peak into the trials and tribulations involved in ridding her body of a self-described addiction to sugar and flour while still enjoying a good burger!

Rudbekia aka Black-Eyed Susan photo courtesy of Rebecca Tryon.

I happened upon the Good Life Garden last September when I had a seminar class in the RMI building. What a wonderful surprise. As an inspiring gardener and lover of all things veggie, I am always impressed by a garden that weaves natural beauty with function. The Good Life Garden does just that. I recall several afternoons when I’d take my lunch in the garden or go to do some reading, as it was comforting to simply sit in the garden and find some peace amidst my first year of grad school. The garden is always in bloom and it’s been fun to see what changes as the seasons change. It’s a subtle education in seasonal eating.

Naturally, my curiosity about this garden grew. Who tends this garden? Who gets to eat all this great produce? Why doesn’t my garden look anything like this? After asking around a bit I learned that the garden does in fact allow folks to pick the herbs and produce on designated picking days and I was impressed by this. Not only is this garden really lovely to look at and a nice sanctuary to enjoy, it’s also an edible extravaganza for those who become friends of the garden. How cool. I found the garden website and love the interesting recipes, the colorful web display that certainly matches the look of the garden itself.

As a grad student in nutrition and also a huge advocate of community wellness, I see this garden as an example of how it is possible to educate, feed, and inspire people to invite better healthy into their lives. The fact that the garden is also a destination spot for events is also a clever way to provide an aesthetic venue for that also sends a message about health and eating natural foods without being overt.

Unfortunately my own garden did not sustain itself this past year (I just don’t have a green thumb – yet!) but I still get constant reassurance that it is possible to have a thriving garden every time I head to the Good Life Garden. These days I’m happening over there a few times a month to to eat lunch, check out what’s in bloom, attend an event, or take some photos. It’s such a blessing that we have this resource right here on campus and that anybody can enjoy it free of charge. Thanks to the staff who maintain the garden, what a gift you provide!